King Felix's deal still not complete

PEORIA, Ariz. -- Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik said Tuesday that discussions on star pitcher Felix Hernandez's contract continue between the club and Hernandez's agents, but the GM provided no update on finalization of the deal.

Hernandez, a three-time All-Star and the 2010 AL Cy Young Award winner, is due to report to Mariners spring training headquarters Tuesday for his physical.

The two sides have been working on a seven-year, $175 million deal, but the deal has yet to be announced. A source told ESPN The Magazine's Buster Olney that concern has developed over the condition of Hernandez's pitching elbow and that the elbow "issue" is perceived by at least one of the parties in the deal as being a possible impediment to the completion of the new contract.

Zduriencik, however, told MLB.com on Sunday that Hernandez has been on a normal throwing routine in his preparations for spring training.

On Tuesday, Zduriencik said the Mariners and Hernandez's agents, Wil Polidor and Scott Pucino, have engaged "significantly" in talks.

"I think things have been very positive. There's been a good tone to our discussions," Zduriencik said. "I hope on a positive note that sooner or later we'll be able to announce something. But anything of this magnitude, in terms of years and dollars, just takes time to work things out."